How do we get there?

Date: 1/2/2015

Sometimes it’s hard to believe that it has been over four years since my family and I relocated from Florida to Western Massachusetts. When I stop to reflect upon what these years have meant to me, I am struck by a number of things.

First and foremost, I have had the good fortune of meeting some truly outstanding people. This region is blessed with many talented, caring, generous, and supportive individuals. I’m often overwhelmed by the number of people throughout greater Springfield who have dedicated their careers and personal lives to improving the lives of others.

Just think about the great strides our region has made in the way of improving our education system, decreasing our rate of teen pregnancies, reducing the number of violent crimes, providing more opportunities for seniors to enjoy their golden years, preventing more teens from turning to gang activity, giving people the chance to live healthier – the list goes on and on. None of this success would be possible without the vision and commitment of those who make it their life’s work to positively impact the lives of others.

Continuing to meet the growing needs of this region is hard work. There is absolutely no doubt about that! But, do you ever stop to think about why it has to be so difficult? Why is it that with so many truly amazing people, businesses and foundations pushing relentlessly for positive change, we don’t hear about or see more of the good things happening?

Well, just as I have encountered many wonderful people here, I’m sad to say that I’ve also seen striking evidence of classism, bigotry, racism, homophobia, sexism, etc. Unfortunately, the behavior of a few can deter the behavior of the masses. Sadly, we see the toxic actions of this minority spread like poison amongst every city and town in this region.

Fighting this negative behavior in order to do what’s right for our community is beyond exhausting. In a region where the potential is virtually limitless, we see many great people pack up their bags and head to other places where their vision is embraced and their impact is appreciated.

At what point do we say enough is enough and stop letting the lethal minority ruin the work of the healthy majority? When do we stop empowering people to stand in the way of what’s right? When do we take away their power by removing them from positions of influence?

As a Christian, my faith tells me that people can believe whatever they want. What we don’t have is a right to allow our beliefs to bring others down. None of us has the right to hurt and destroy others’ hopes and dreams. Success should never be predicated on the demise of others.

Answer the call to cause: Take inventory of our capabilities in this community and ask yourself if you are on the right side. Pick people over pride and stop allowing the phenomenal actions of many to be overshadowed by a few loud, awful people. Stand behind what’s right and drive away the deterrents. After all, the good is the majority, right?

Ask yourself and others, “How did we get here, and how do we get there?”

Kirk Ray Smith
President & CEO
YMCA of Greater Springfield